Shenshi's PCHE Technology Powers a Partner's Next-Generation VLEC Fleet for Enhanced Marine Energy Efficiency

In a landmark project for the global marine engineering sector, Shenshi has partnered with a world leader in liquefied gas solutions, to supply critical Printed Circuit Heat Exchangers (PCHEs) for 15 state-of-the-art 98,000m³ Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs). These vessels, constructed at a major shipyard, feature the partner’s advanced ecoETHN® integrated reliquefaction system. This collaboration showcases how Shenshi's innovative thermal management technology is driving significant gains in energy efficiency and operational reliability in the demanding marine liquefied gas transportation industry.

Project Overview: A New Era for Ethane Transportation

The fleet of 15 VLECs represents a major advancement in the global capacity for transporting liquefied ethane. As the demand for cleaner energy sources grows, the efficient and safe long-distance transportation of liquefied gases is more critical than ever. The partner's ecoETHN® system was designed to set a new standard for energy efficiency and environmental performance in this sector. Shenshi was selected as the key technology partner to provide the core heat transfer solution, a testament to our leadership in high-performance thermal management for cryogenic applications.

The Challenge: Extreme Efficiency and Reliability at Sea

Transporting liquefied gases like ethane on a VLEC presents immense technical challenges. The cargo must be maintained at cryogenic temperatures (around -90°C) to remain in its liquid state, which requires a highly efficient and unfailingly reliable onboard reliquefaction system. The primary challenge is to efficiently re-liquefy the natural boil-off gas (BOG) that evaporates from the cargo tanks during transit. The system must not only perform under the constant motion and harsh conditions of the marine environment but also meet increasingly stringent international regulations for energy efficiency and emissions reduction, such as the IMO's Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

Shenshi's Solution: Compact, High-Performance PCHE Technology

Shenshi’s Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger (PCHE) technology provided the ideal solution for the demanding requirements of the ecoETHN® system. Our PCHEs leverage advanced diffusion bonding and micro-channel engineering to deliver exceptionally high heat transfer rates in a unit that is up to 85% smaller and lighter than traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers. This dramatic size reduction is a critical advantage on space-constrained vessels.

The PCHE units supplied for each VLEC are engineered for maximum thermal performance and durability. The solid-state diffusion bonding creates a robust, monolithic core free from gaskets or brazing, eliminating potential leak points and ensuring superior structural integrity—essential for handling high-pressure cryogenic fluids safely at sea.

Key Technical Advantages

The PCHE technology deployed on this VLEC fleet offers several key advantages. The micro-channel design promotes highly efficient thermal exchange, which significantly reduces the energy required for the reliquefaction process. This directly translates to lower fuel consumption for the vessel's auxiliary engines and a reduced carbon footprint. Furthermore, the robust, all-welded stainless steel construction provides excellent resistance to corrosion and thermal fatigue, ensuring a long and reliable service life in the demanding marine environment.

Impact: Setting a New Benchmark for Energy-Efficient Shipping

The integration of Shenshi's PCHE technology into the partner’s ecoETHN® system delivers substantial environmental and economic benefits. The enhanced thermal efficiency of the reliquefaction process reduces onboard energy consumption, helping the vessels achieve a superior Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and ensuring compliance with long-term environmental regulations. This improved efficiency leads to significant operational cost savings over the lifetime of the vessel through reduced fuel use.

This project exemplifies the critical role that advanced thermal management solutions play in the shipping industry's transition to a lower-carbon future. It demonstrates a powerful synergy between cutting-edge system design and component technology to achieve new levels of performance and sustainability.

Conclusion: Leading the Way in Marine Thermal Management

The successful deployment of Shenshi's PCHE technology across the partner's new VLEC fleet marks a significant milestone for our company in the marine and offshore sector. This project solidifies our position as a leading provider of world-class heat transfer solutions for the most demanding cryogenic applications. As the global maritime industry continues its decarbonization journey, Shenshi is committed to pioneering innovative thermal technologies that enable more efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible shipping operations worldwide.